China reins in TV gala extravaganzas

China’s regulator State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued a ruling last week that all gala TV programs be registered two months before being staged and aired, to enable the regulator to cap the number of such programs as necessary.

The measures are reported to be part of a campaign by Chinese authorities to curb extravagance in television gala shows. According to the regulator, TV galas should focus on spiritual and aesthetic enrichment and ostentation and sensationalism must be avoided.

China Radio International reports that broadcasters have also been told to increase opportunities for ordinary members of the public to participate in galas and cut the time and funds lavished on entertainers and stars.

Many TV stations, including national broadcaster CCTV, have already acted on the new regulation and made adjustments to their gala program plans.